It appears that the cacophony of voices lamenting the loss of skills within South Africa is finally being heard. The new curriculum for South African schools compels all learners to study mathematics. This is a splendid decision made by our education department. Judging from reports in the press, the standard will be set relatively high; this news gets better and better.
Vivian MacFadyen
However, I am a bit confused, as it appears that not everyone is overjoyed with this decision. Let us hope that this will not be debated ad infinitum until everybody loses interest and nothing happens because it impinges on some individuals' rights.
Recently, one of our colleagues related that he had interviewed a prospective learner looking for work. The learner was asked how many litres could fit into a cubic metre. The answer given was one! Logically, the answer is correct, even though there would be space for another 999. Later, the learner indicated the length of a metre to be the distance equivalent to the length of a matchbox. How can we improve the skills of our young people who do not have a basic understanding of measurement? Imagine if this individual was requested to measure 50 metres of cable for a customer?
From news reports, some school teachers have a problem with mathematics being reintroduced into the curriculum. This shows how deep rooted the problem is. Not only do we need to re-educate students who have left school over the past decade, we have to demonstrate the necessity to be able to count, and to apply this basic skill to geometry and algebra.
My personal observation is that in our industry, we are concentrating on rewards for academic achievement at too high a level. We should give incentives for success to the educators of mathematics and physical science at matriculation level.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
AI has become part of our productivity platforms, our operations and our decision making environments. The SAIMC NPC Power Hour series is one such initiative.
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SAIMC
The March SAIMC Johannesburg technology event was proudly hosted by Matech and focused on business intelligence made simple.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban monthly meeting, James Adams from Adroit Technologies presented to a full house on the subject of ‘The intelligent factory: AI, digital twins, zero-defect production, and cybersecurity in modern automotive manufacturing’.
Read more...The Power Hour SAIMC
SAIMC
The first event in SAIMC’s series of technical presentations will be on the topic ‘Introduction to Practical Industrial Feedback Control and Process Types’.
Read more...Invitation to present at the SAIMC Power Hour sessions
SAIMC
The SAIMC invites professionals and thought leaders in automation, mechatronics, computer engineering, artificial intelligence and other emerging 5IR technologies to volunteer as speakers for our monthly Power Hour sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa stands at a critical inflection point in its industrial and skills development journey. The decisions we make today as engineers, technologists, educators and industry leaders will determine whether 4IR becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth or a missed opportunity that deepens existing divides.
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SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its Annual General Meeting on 11 February at the Premier Splendid Inn. In his general manager’s report, Mfanasibili Nkonyane highlighted a busy and productive year for the branch, which included an AGM, ten monthly technology meetings, a golf day and the annual year-end function.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of hosting Arieke Coetzee-Gericke from SynapSerene, who delivered an engaging and insightful talk on a topic that resonated deeply with many of us, ‘Neurodivergent Brilliance in Technical Teams: Coaching for Inclusion and Innovation’.
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